महाशिवरात्रि
Maha Shivaratri
The great night of Lord Shiva, kept with a fast, a night-long vigil and abhishek of the Shivling.
About Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri falls on the Chaturdashi of Phalguna Krishna Paksha, the night before Amavasya. It is the holiest of the twelve monthly Shivaratris.
Devotees fast through the day and stay awake through the night, worshipping the Shivling in four prahars. The most powerful time is Nishita Kaal, the middle of the night.
How to celebrate
Fast through the day, with fruit and milk if needed.
Do abhishek of the Shivling with water, milk, honey, curd and ghee.
Offer bel leaves, dhatura, white flowers and bhasma.
Chant Om Namah Shivaya and stay awake through the night.
Do the main puja in Nishita Kaal and break the fast the next morning.
Do
- Offer three-leafed bel patra with the smooth side down
- Keep the night vigil, even part of it
Avoid
- Offering tulsi or haldi to the Shivling
- Grains and salt if you keep the full fast
The story
It is the night Shiva married Parvati, the night he performed the Tandava, and the night he appeared as an endless pillar of light before Brahma and Vishnu.
Questions
When is Maha Shivaratri in 2026?
Maha Shivaratri 2026 is on Sunday, 15 February 2026. Krishna Chaturdashi tithi begins at 5:05 PM on Sunday 15 February and ends at 5:34 PM on Monday 16 February IST.
What is the Nishita puja time on Maha Shivaratri 2026?
In New Delhi, Nishita Kaal is from 12:11 AM to 12:59 AM IST. Pick your city in the timings card to see local times.
What is the difference between Shivaratri and Maha Shivaratri?
Masik Shivaratri comes every month on Krishna Chaturdashi. Maha Shivaratri is the one in Phalguna, the most important of the year.
What should not be offered to Lord Shiva?
Tulsi leaves, haldi, kumkum and ketaki flowers are traditionally not offered to the Shivling.
Around Maha Shivaratri
Coming up
- Karva ChauthThu 29 Oct
- Ahoi AshtamiSun 1 Nov
- Rama EkadashiThu 5 Nov
- DhanterasFri 6 Nov
- DiwaliSun 8 Nov
- Narak ChaturdashiSun 8 Nov
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